Messenger Pouch Bag

Two pockets on the back

The top center of the bag

The bag is one big pouch folded over.

The bat I cut out & used as an applique

Is this your project? Can you share instructions or a pattern with the Craftsy community?

Difficulty:

Category: Sewing

Type of item: Functional

For: Other

Style: Hipster, Goth, Classic, Outdoorsy, Casual

Materials

Cotton canvas, cotton print (for applique), spray adhesive, fray check, trim

What was your inspiration?

I have a former private student who is about to move off to college. I've kind of become a bit of a big sister to her over the years. She's very much into the goth culture and LOVES Halloween, bats, pumpkins, spiders and the color purple. I'm putting together a small gathering of useful items to give her as a gift next week.

The original intention was to use a pattern/instructions for the "Convertible Bag" found in the book *Making Handbags & Purses* by Carol Parks. However, after cutting the pieces and beginning construction, I took a huge detour and did my own thing. I added the rear pockets. with trim. I even had to cut some new pieces to accommodate the new construction. The raw edges were left on purpose and I started fraying them to encourage some raveling. Overall, I'm very happy with how it turned out! :)

When I make another one of these, I'll be sure to take pictures and write some instructions on how to make it for yourself.

What are you most proud of?

I hand-drew and cut that bat applique myself. I'm rather proud of that considering I'm not a great drawer. Lol. I did make it a tad too big, so the tips of the wings got swallowed in the seam, but that's ok. :)

This is also the first time I ever used a French seam. The bag does not have a lining and I do not own a serger. So to secure the raw edges (I didn't like the idea of it raveling on the inside!), I tried a French seam. It made the corners a bit funky, but overall it worked really well.

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

All because you intended to follow a pre-made pattern (commercial, from a book, website, whatever), does not mean you are bound to it. Go with your gut and think it through. Then suck it up and go for it!